22. Store Hazardous Chemicals Safely

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average
household generates 20 pounds of household hazardous waste per year
and stores up to 100 pounds of hazardous waste. This includes home
maintenance products, auto items, cleaners, hobby materials, cosmetics,
drugs, batteries, and yard products.

There are four major classifications of hazardous materials. Corrosive
materials can dissolve or wear away materials and most can harm
the skin and eyes. Flammable materials pose a serious threat of
fire if stored improperly. Many of these items indicate, “Do
not store near heat” or “Keep in cool, dry place.”

Explosive
or reactive materials can explode when combined with other substances.
They may also react violently in other ways, such as producing toxic
gases. For example, when bleach and many dish detergents that contain
chlorine bleach mix with ammonia, lye, or acids, the combination can
produce toxic gases.

Toxic
materials are those that, in sufficient quantities, pose a hazard
to human health. They are sometimes identified with the symbol of
a skull and crossbones. Most cupboards and closets are full of potentially
toxic materials, from air fresheners and carpet deodorizers to mothballs
and oven cleaners.

Store hazardous materials in their original containers. If the label
is peeling off, reattach it with transparent tape. To reduce the amount
of hazardous materials in storage, buy only the amount that you need
for the job at hand. Buy products with safety closures whenever possible.

Store
hazardous materials, including purses that contain medicines or cosmetics,
out of the reach of children. Do not store hazardous materials near
food or medicines. Keep hazardous materials stored in the house or
the garage in a locked cabinet.

Keep
a bag of cat litter, sand, or sawdust near the storage area to soak
up any spilled chemical from a broken or leaking container. Keep a
separate broom and dustpan handy for chemical cleanup, and do not
use them for any other purpose.

Because
of flammability, store liquid pesticides containing a petroleum-based
carrier or solvent in a garage in a locked cabinet. However, be aware
that temperatures below freezing can cause the pesticide to become
ineffective. This underscores the importance of buying only the amount
of chemical that you need for a job. Other flammable products, such
as gasoline, kerosene, propane gas, and paint thinner should also
be stored in approved containers in the garage—never inside
the house.